What Is the Difference Between HGH & Testosterone?

Human growth hormone (HGH) and testosterone therapy are popular among bodybuilders and anti-aging enthusiasts. While both achieve many of the same results, such as enhancing muscle and improving sex drive, each has unique benefits and side effects.

HGH background

• Doctors have been treating growth hormone deficiency since the 1950s. The synthetic form of HGH, now known as Somatropin, has treated hormone deficiency and poor growth in children and adults since the '80s, according to Somatropin.net.

Testosterone background

• Synthetic testosterone was developed in the 1930s. Interest in testosterone supplementation and replacement therapy increased a decade later when researchers discovered it improved symptoms of depression, memory loss, fatigue and loss of sexual vigor in aging men.

Comparison

• Some bodybuilders prefer HGH to testosterone because it produces lean and toned muscle with almost no side effects, according to Karlis Ullis, M.D. and Joshua Shackman, Ph.D for Mesomorphosis.com. Although testosterone is better for gaining muscle mass, side effects can include acne, puffiness, mood swings and prostate enlargement.

Considerations

• Ullis and Shackman believe testosterone, despite its side effects, is better overall for improving body composition, due to its lower cost, lower dosage requirement and safety, as compared to HGH.

HGH benefits

• Doctors prescribe HGH for growth hormone deficiency, short stature caused by illness, body growth and development problems in children, and weight loss. Anti-aging experts believe HGH improves skin elasticity, refines wrinkles and can help regrow hair.